Rennes, 08 January 2009 — Thrustmaster's new joystick, the T.16000M, boasts surgical precision thanks to a new technology based on magnetic sensors.

At the very heart of precision!H.E.A.R.T. HALLEFFECT ACCURATE TECHNOLOGY™ is the name of the new technology developed by Thrustmaster. This technology, built into the T.16000 M joystick, relies on 3D Hall Effect magnetic sensors located on the stick. These sensors deliver precision levels 256 times greater than most current systems, allowing over 16,000 different values on each axis – i.e. over 268 million values spread out over the joystick's various directions! This technology also offers an additional benefit: by removing all friction from the device, it removes any risk of mechanical wear, thus guaranteeing consistent precision in time. The joystick's precision is once again enhanced by the absence of dead zones, as evidenced by the green backlighting that illuminates as soon as the stick is moved. Thanks to the presence of a 2.8 mm diameter helical spring, the joystick offers firm control and allows linear and smooth actions, enabling users to maintain a consistent course, free from sudden corrections or control losses. This technology is subject to a patent application

A fully ambidextrous joystick:

In addition to the precision offered by the H.E.A.R.T. HALLEFFECT ACCURATE TECHNOLOGY™, Thrustmaster has chosen to hone the T.16000M joystick for ergonomy and versatility. The device is indeed fully Plug & Play, and benefits from a number of predefined controls suited to the most famous games and simulators – for immediate, hassle-free take-off!

The fully ambidextrous T.16000M is suited to all potential joystick users, both left-handed and right-handed: its 3 sections – including 2 removable parts and one part rotating over a 180° angle – allow users to tailor the joystick to their use. Likewise, the 16 action buttons featured on the T.16000M can be configured for left-handed or right-handed use, by means of a switch, for optimum ergonomy. When it comes to ergonomy and comfort, the T.16000M offers a wide handrest to alleviate gaming fatigue. The thumb- and finger rests' rubber texture offers enhanced comfort during long flights. The joystick's weighted base ensures much-appreciated stability during quick manoeuvres.

And finally, in addition to this incredible versatility, piloting with a joystick in each hand is now possible in all games supporting the simultaneous use of 2 joysticks.

The T.16000M will be available in February, at the suggested retail price of 49.99 € incl. VAT.